5 Bloody Mary Variations That Might Change How You Think About the Classic

Posted on Dec 01, 2017

Bloody Sangrita

The Bloody Mary is about as classic as it gets, beloved by football fans and brunch devotees everywhere. While almost everyone knows the drink by name, its recipe varies wildly depending on where you order it. And versatility is one of the best parts about a Bloody Mary; different spirits, mixes and garnishes can make thousands of combinations.

We tapped our DrinkWire contributors for their favorite versions of the Bloody Mary. These are five recipes worth saving.

Making a well-balanced, spicy Bloody Mary is a feat unto itself and one that can go awry quickly. Sriracha packs a sweeter punch than many traditional hot sauces used to heat up the drink, so you can control the heat and maintain a more complex flavor. Top it with a skewered buffalo wing, rosemary sprig and grape tomato, and you'll be unstoppable.

The secret ingredient in this Bloody? Fish sauce. It might sound scary to some, but it packs an umami bomb perfect for making a killer cocktail. It’s already used in many of your favorite Thai dishes like Pad Thai, and once you make this twist on the brunch staple, we guarantee it’ll become a must-have in the kitchen.

’Tis the season for pumpkin everything, so why not add it to your Bloody Mary? If you don’t love the peppery spice of the traditional Bloody, this twist may just convert you into a devotee of the brunch cocktail. You’ll be amazed how well fall spices can work in the popular classic.

A clear Bloody Mary? How is that even possible? The magic of sous vide, of course. All of the ingredients that traditionally go into a Bloody Mary are infused into the vodka, leaving you with an elegant cocktail that’s a lot more visually appealing. You’ll be amazed at how much flavor is packed into the unassuming drink.

The Sangrita is a traditional Mexican drink served with tequila. The blend of juices is similar to a Bloody Mary mix, so naturally the Bloody Sangrita was born. If these two traditional beverages had a baby, it would be this. This sweet, sour, spicy, salty and refreshing cocktail also has a hue that’s also much more pleasant than your traditional brick-red Bloody.